main menu

Crohn’s Coaching

Crohn’s, IBS, IBS, FAP, diverticulitis and colitis patients have benefitted from Carol’s skills since 1992. As a leader in mental health Occupational Therapy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, for 20 years, she pioneered a new program to offer bedside psychiatric Occupational Therapy to medical/surgical patients who struggled to cope. Many were newly diagnosed with Crohn’s, many survived numerous surgeries over the years, and most had either an ileostomy or colostomy. Carol has extensive experience treating many other gastrointestinal disorders and digestive disorders, such as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disorder). Hepatitis C patients often struggle to cope, and Carol’s program is highly beneficial for this group also.

Carol learned so much from her patients, especially the lack of resources in the community, and vowed to create a community program for those discharged from the hospital; those who continued to struggle physically, emotionally or spiritually from their disease, or from the aftermath of surgery. She was so fortunate to work with two highly diverse groups of patients, those outpatients who suffered from ADD or ADHD, and the inpatients who struggled with repeated surgeries, or the new diagnosis of Crohn’s or IBD. She left the Clinic an expert in her field, enthusiastic to open a community coaching practice to continue her work for both groups.

All Crohn’s sufferers have access to the United Ostomy Assocations of America, www.stoma.org, which offers excellent support and education to promote wellness, understanding of the disease, research articles, resources, and social support. Likewise, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America does excellent work, which can be perused via their site: www.ccfa.org. Carol fully endorses these organizations and their dynamic mission nation-wide. You will find a local chapter via their site online.

Those who benefit from Carol’s coaching generally are experiencing the following:

Community support groups are encouraged, and for those who seek a more confidential, individual means of coping, Carol welcomes you to meet to discuss your needs. At that time, you can have your questions answered, receive information and decide if coaching is for you. Family members are encouraged to also participate, as are best friends, significant others, etc. Support starts at home! Also, group format or educational workshops are offered which are extremely cost effective, and which welcome friends and family to maximize follow-through and success. The impact of Crohn’s is not only on the sufferer, but on everyone whom they hold dear. It is often a family affair.

Many clients share in their response to digestive disorders and resultant surgeries or lifestyle changes. You are not alone. If you retain Carol as your Crohn’s Coach, she will engage you in any, or all, of the following:

stress management

healthy expression of needs and wellness behaviors

relaxation techniques, reiki healing

energy conservation and pacing of activities

time management and fatigue avoidance

chronic pain management techniques and return to beloved activities

assertiveness training

journaling

future planning

self-image, self-concept, self-esteem awareness

Also, do give consideration to participate in Heart Centered Hypnotherapy®, which offers unique connections to longterm habits and beliefs from childhood which color one’s life today, and aids in “reworking” these to transform your life, and your future! Where a history of trauma influences your bodily health or peace of mind today, this type of therapy is especially effective in diluting your reactivity to trauma memories, enabling improved function and peace of mind.

View a video of Carol’s presentation given at University Hospitals of Cleveland on the Application of Mental Health Occupational Therapy to the Field of Gastroenterology.